M 5.0 Earthquake Strikes Off the Coast of Ōfunato, Japan
A moderate 5.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded 57 km east-southeast of Ōfunato, Japan, on March 6, 2026. No tsunami warnings have been issued following the event.
What Happened
A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.0 mb occurred on March 6, 2026, at 09:51:52 UTC. The seismic event was centered approximately 57 km east-southeast of Ōfunato, Japan.
Location Details
The earthquake’s epicenter was located at coordinates 38.849°N and 142.314°E. The event occurred at a depth of 60.4 km. This is classified as an intermediate-depth earthquake, as it occurred between 20 and 70 km below the surface.
Impact Assessment
According to the USGS, there is no tsunami advisory, watch, or warning in effect (tsunami: 0). At the time of reporting, no felt reports have been submitted to the USGS, and no specific alert level color has been assigned to this event.
What You Should Know
A magnitude 5.0 earthquake is considered a “moderate” event. While such earthquakes are often felt, they typically only cause damage to poorly constructed buildings. Residents in the region should remain aware of the possibility of aftershocks, which are common following seismic activity of this size.
Source
Information provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.
Source: USGS Official Notice